If we win they will think that the ‘new Alex Ferguson’ has arrived – New Man United boss Ruben Amorim
The Portuguese coach won't take charge at Old Trafford until November 11,
Ruben Amorim has lightheartedly remarked that Sporting Lisbon’s performance against Manchester City could either boost expectations or temper excitement ahead of his upcoming role as Manchester United’s head coach.
The Portuguese manager will officially take charge at Old Trafford on November 11, leaving him with two final games in Lisbon.
His penultimate task is a daunting one: facing Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions in the Champions League on Tuesday night – a matchup he lost 5-0 three seasons ago.
During his negotiations with United, Amorim made it clear that he wanted to remain with Sporting for this high-profile encounter.
The game offers a fitting measure of the reigning Portuguese champions’ progress under the 39-year-old.
Ruben Amorim, regarded as one of Europe’s top young coaches, has sparked anticipation among Manchester United fans.
The Sporting boss joked that a surprise win over City could inflate expectations in Manchester, while a loss might prompt supporters to adjust their ambitions.
He said: “If the result [vs City] is negative, expectations will drop; if we win they will think that the new Alex Ferguson has arrived.
“What interests me is to win, a good farewell in Alvalade, win in Braga and start a new adventure in Manchester.
“Tomorrow I will be Sporting’s coach and only Sporting’s.
“From the 11th I will be Manchester United’s. I know they will draw conclusions from the result, but I don’t care.
“I understand the interest, for me it’s just another game against a team in the best league.”
Amorim will take charge of a Manchester United side that has experienced its worst start to a Premier League season after a disappointing draw against Chelsea on Sunday.
The Red Devils currently find themselves in the bottom half of the table, having garnered just 12 points from their first ten matches, putting them at risk of falling further behind the top teams.
The Portuguese coach is set to make his debut against Ipswich Town at Portman Road in late November, following the conclusion of the international break.
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